Headache

Category

Headache

Headache (Cluster headache, Migraine, cervicogenic headache)

• Nerve blocks of greater occipital nerve / lesser occipital nerve / auriculotemporal nerve / supratrochlear and supraorbital nerves

• CERVICOGENIC Headache

• Cervical spinal root block

• Facet joint block of the upper cervical spine

Greater occipital nerve arises from between the first and second cervical vertebrae, along with the lesser occipital nerve. It supplies sensation to the skin along the back of the scalp to the top of the head.

 

Sometimes, when the occipital nerve is irritated, the pain of this irritation is felt near the eye of the same side of the head. This is known as referred pain.

These nerves may also contribute to headaches. Blocking (numbing) the occipital nerve will reduce headache in the front of the head.

An occipital nerve block is done to manage:

• Pain that affects the back of the head or one side of the head. People who have sensations of shooting, zapping, stinging or burning pain usually have the best response to the procedure.
• Some migraines or cluster headaches
• Spondylosis of the cervical facet joints
• A tender or painful scalp, which may be a sign of an inflamed nerve

During a nerve block, pain-relieving medicine is injected to the region where the nerve crosses the skull. The patient is usually lying on his or her stomach. The needle is placed near the nerve and the anesthetic (or a combination of anesthetic and steroid) are injected. Pain relief may be immediate and usually lasts as long as the numbness, sometimes the relief may be long lasting.